What is Dry Eye Disease?

More than 16 million Americans experience dry eyes. Dry eye disease (also called dry eye syndrome) is a chronic problem when your tears don’t provide enough lubrication for your eyes. 

Causes of Dry Eyes

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough lubricating tears. Another cause is the poor quality of tears. Many factors can change the quality of your tears, including medications and environmental influences.

While the condition is more common in certain people over 50, anyone can experience the symptoms of dry eye disease. Although dryness is a more obvious symptom, you can also have excess watering or the sensation of something in your eye.

Symptoms of Dry Eyes

Here are some common symptoms of dry eyes.

• Burning eyes

• Blurred vision

• Fatigue

• Tearing

• Redness

• Light sensitivity

• Heavy or tired eyes

• Irritated or red eyes

Dry Eye Treatment

Eye care and eye comfort go hand in hand, especially with dry eyes. There are multiple ways dry eye therapy can help you maintain moisture and manage the symptoms of dry eyes.

• Therapeutic drops (Restasis, Xiidra, Cequa)

• Amniotic membranes

• Contact lenses for dry eyes

• Eyelid scrubs

• Omega 3 supplements

• Warm compresses

• Punctal plugs

• OptiLight by Lumenis